Autumn - How can you support yourself during this transitional phase?

In the Southern hemisphere we are transitioning into Autumn months. A period of cooling and slowing down as we head toward the dormancy of winter. Combine the Equinox with the energy and meaning of Autumn and we have prefect conditions for releasing and letting go, shedding that which no longer serves us. Identifying what can bring us back to balance. It is always important to set your intentions for the season ahead, in line with the seasonal energy.

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Spring is here! What does the Spring Equinox and the season of Spring mean for you?

What is the Spring Equinox and what does it symbolise?

On 23 September (which also happens to be my daughter’s birthday!) in the Southern Hemisphere we arrived at the Spring Equinox. This is the time of equal day and equal night, the balance of light and dark. There are only two times per year when this event occurs, when the Earth's axis is tilted neither toward nor away from the sun, resulting in a "nearly" equal amount of daylight and darkness, unlike a Solstice where the opposite occurs and we have two extremes. And so at this time of Equinox we have an opportunity to invite balance into our lives. We have an opportunity to reflect upon the light and dark in our lives and understand that they are valid in equal measures.


We know that the Equinoxes were of great importance to our ancestors because there are many ancient monuments all over the world that were created and built to align with the sunrise and sunset on these special days in ‘The Wheel of the Year’. Celebrated by many cultures and individuals who do not follow a specific spiritual tradition, The Wheel of the Year celebrates the turning of the seasons.

Until the eighteenth century, this Equinox was considered by many cultures to mark the start of the new astrological year, when people would perform rituals to cleanse out old energy in both themselves and in their homes. Better known as a ‘Spring clean’ today, this doesn’t just have to stop at cleaning out a few cluttered cupboards or drawers.

Burn white sage or Palo Santo to cleanse and clear the energy of yourself and your home.

The Spring Equinox is a wonderful time of energetic opportunity!

Add to this the energy and meaning of Spring, seedlings, new growth, fresh starts, rebirth and new beginnings. We have the prefect conditions for intention setting and manifesting what it is you want in your life. Basically, the Spring Equinox is practically, physically, emotionally and spiritually a wonderful time of energetic opportunity. So get yourself some white sage and have an Equinox smoking ceremony to release the energy of the old and invite in the energy of the new. Cleanse yourself and your home and set you intentions for the season ahead. This could be anything from improved health, more quality time with your loved ones, more self care, a change in career, a creative project or perhaps the realisation of a dream or vision:

  • What parts of you need a spring clean?

  • What needs more or less of your attention?

  • What do you need to dust off or get rid of, both figuratively and literarily?

  • What are you excited about?

  • What do you want to draw more of into your life?

  • What do you want to create and experience?

  • What in your life needs to be revived, renewed or reborn?

During Spring, everywhere in nature, we see and feel and hear, the energy, the pulse, the sound of new growth. And so we have the opportunity to consciously align with this energy and ‘use’ it to fuel whatever new beginnings we want to create in our lives. Whether your are paying attention to it or not you are part of the Earth, part of the cycle of the seasons, and will be influenced by this energy. If you pay some attention, you may feel it, and if you feel it you can flow with it.

The Spring Equinox is a wonderful time of energetic opportunity!

Kinesiology, TCM and The Wood element - what does it mean for you?

In Kinesiology I work with the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) model and in this ancient wisdom Spring is housed in the Wood element. The Wood element is symoblised by green growing things, you can think of a tree with strong roots, keeping the tree firmly planted, it has a solid foundation for growth yet it’s branches are flexible to move freely in the wind. The tree knows when it is time to let go. To shed it’s leaves so it can rest in the dormancy of winter, patiently waiting for it’s rebirth in Spring. New leaves, blossoming and even bearing fruit. So let’s question the metaphysical significance of this and what it might mean in your life at this moment of Equinox:

  • How does the image of green growing things relate to your life and your goals?

  • Do you have firm roots to sustain your growth?

  • Do you have enough structure so that you can achieve your purpose?

  • Can you remain grounded yet allow for flexibility when it’s needed?

  • Do you know when it’s time to release that which no longer serves you?

  • Are you able to rest?

The tree knows when it is time to let go. To shed it’s leaves so it can rest in the dormancy of winter, patiently waiting for it’s rebirth in Spring.

The emotion of Wood is Anger. If you feel angry, that’s not necessarily a bad thing…

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) the emotion associated with Wood is Anger. Anger is often labelled a negative emotion. In western culture we are conditioned to the think that anger is wrong but anger is part of a cycle and just like the seasons emotions are cyclical. Anger is in fact the start of the healing process. It tells us when enough is enough. It let’s us know when we need to set boundaries. It is a red flag. If you feel angry, you are no longer numb. Anger is not something to avoid or deny for the comfort of others but it is an alarm telling us it’s time to listen to ourselves. It is time for us to question what is no longer serving us. Anger becomes dangerous when we do not listen to it and when we direct it at others and cause harm. We may move into anger to protect old wounds or as a reaction to fear or a perceived threat or attack. If we habitually react in anger, it helps to first recognise those underlying griefs or fears, and take appropriate action.

  • Are there currently any red ‘anger’ flags in your life?

  • What is your anger telling you, are you ready to heal?

  • What does Anger mean in your life? or in relation to your goals or dreams?

  • What underlying griefs or fears do you need to acknowledge?

  • Are you angry with yourself or someone else?

  • Does your anger seem to be directed at the appropriate person or thing?

  • Do you need to acknowledge your anger in order to grow?

The Liver and Gall Bladder in Kinesiology and TCM

In TCM the Wood element houses the Liver and the Gall bladder, another great reason to embrace an internal Spring Clean. The Gall Bladder is a small organ that works with the Liver to aid digestions, breaking heavy parts like fats down further. The Liver has more known functions than any other organ, it is the largest physical organ and is most active while you sleep. It is associated not just with digestion but also metabolism, nourishment, filtration, detoxification and immune function. Liver function is critical to a healthy body and mind. At this time of year the energy is high in the Liver and Gall Bladder meridians and so it is a great time to offer them a little extra TLC:

  • How are you handling your multiple responsibilities?

  • Aer you open to too many things and becoming overwhelmed/toxic?

  • Do you need to absorb more, literally or figuratively?

  • What needs detoxification in your life?

  • What do you need to let go of?

  • What do you need to bring into your life that will be cleansing, purifying or nourishing?

How can you support your Gall Bladder and Liver?

  • Drink plenty of water each day - at least 2 - 2.5 litres per day

  • Move your body for a minimum of 20 minutes each day

  • Eat more fiber - oats, legumes, fruit, vegetables, seeds and nuts

  • Introduce a glass of warm water and a slice of lemon each morning to aid digestion

  • Reduce high trans-fatty and processed foods

  • Consume less refined carbohydrates - pasta, white bread, pastries, breakfast cereals

  • Reduce sugar intake

  • Avoid calorie controlled dieting and consume whole foods or speak to a dietician

  • Reduce Alcohol consumption

I’m here to help…

Working with Kinesiology and Reiki I can assist you in restoring balance to your mind and body. To allow you to come into flow with the current energies of the Earth.

Reiki restores balance to the whole being. Although balance can mean different things in different circumstances, Reiki typically brings rapid stress reduction and relief from pain and anxiety. Reiki takes you out of the overactive fight or flight mode, soothing your nervous system and restoring balance rather than targeting a particular issue or symptom.

Using Kinesiology we can work together using muscle testing to identify what is happening beneath the surface. Using TCM model we can work with the energy pathways of the body to release blocked, stagnant energy and undigested emotions. We can move you away from what you don’t want and toward what you do want, physically, mentally and emotionally. Using Kinesiology we can bring you into alignment with your intentions, removing sub-conscious self limiting beliefs, conditioning and programming.

This time of the year is great opportunity to question yourself, to be introspective and curious about your feelings, it is a time to heal and bring about renewal and rebirth. Just like the caterpillar, you must go through the pain and discomfort of transformation, undergoing a deep experience that leads to a whole new capacity and perception, breaking free from your cocoon, and transforming into a magnificent new version of yourself.

I’m here to help and I’d love to hear from you. Ask me a question and let’s take it from there:
hello@hhwithanna.com or call 0416972230 for a friendly chat!

I work online (with any time zone) and in person and I’m available Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Sending much love, light and Reiki blessings to you and yours.

Happy Spring Equinox!

Anna x

Happy and Healthy with Anna is Back!

Hello!

Happy & Healthy with Anna is back.

Hey, how are you? It’s been a while. Actually it’s been three years according to the date of my last blog post! I wanted to share with you what’s been happening for me, what’s new for Happy and Healthy with Anna, and most importantly how I can be of service to you in 2023.


Since I last saw many of you we have been through a Global Pandemic, a life changing experience for most of us. I wonder what else has been happening for you during this time? I feel that for many of us there have been some big shifts and changes, as the Pandemic forced us to turn inward and contemplate life for a while.

There were some big changes for me too. I took my business online and continued to work during lock down. I gave birth to my second baby, another beautiful daughter. My husband quit his job and started his own business. We relocated our family from Sydney to the beautiful Thirroul on the South Coast, and since then we have moved house twice. There certainly has been a lot of change. Some highs and some, what felt like at the time, extreme lows.

Anna O’Keeffe Kinesiology Reiki Yoga Nidra

Highs and Lows

We all experience lows. I am no different. The work that I do has helped me to recognise when I am out of balance but it hasn't always stopped me from reaching that tipping point, into my stressed out, running on empty fight or flight mode. Just like many of you I have often waited until the very last moment to seek help, and bring back or implement my own self care practices. That's hard when you're sleep deprived. When you're a mum putting yourself first is hard. In fact most of the time it feels almost impossible. I'm learning.

I've been doing this work for almost nine years and I'm still learning. It will always be a journey. Whether you're a parent or not putting yourself first is hard. There is always someone or something else to divert your attention away from you. That's one of the reasons I love to do what I do. I love to give people that space for self care. I love to help you bring your attention back to you.

Here’s what my clients are saying:

Client testimonials Kinesiology Reiki Yoga Nidra

Here’s how I can help you…

Reiki Online & in person

Reiki quickly returns you to your natural state, or at least gets your body moving in the right direction. That means your breathing, heart rate and blood pressure improve. Reiki practice is balancing to your whole system. Addressing isolated symptoms is not enough to help you feel better. With Reiki there is an overall response as your system shifts into your body’s natural state of rest and digest. It is here that your own self-healing mechanisms function at their very best.

Here are the common benefits Reiki clients have reported:

  • Improved sleep

  • Less anxiety

  • Improvement in depressive symptoms

  • Less pain

  • Mood stabilization

  • Enhanced resilience to stress

  • Improved self esteem

  • Improved digestion

  • Improved focus and memory

  • Reduced side effects from medications and medical procedures

  • Faster recovery from injuries and surgery

  • Greater social ease and satisfaction

  • Greater sense of meaning

Reiki sessions are available online and in person. Reply to this email or visit my website to find out more. You can book online here:

Kinesiology online & in person

Kinesiology allows us to speak directly to your body through muscle testing. This allows us to understand what is linked with your survival system/your fight or flight mode and why you might be spending too much time in this reactive sympathetic nervous system. Consciously you may be longing for freedom, to be free from ongoing physical symptoms or pain, anxiety, or insomnia for example, but your subconscious is saying “no it’s not safe!” Using Kinesiology we can then get feedback from your body to find out what is needed to bring you out of fight or flight and into a place of rest and digest. Helping your body find it's way back to balance.

Here are the common benefits my Kinesiology clients have reported:

  • Feeling calm

  • Improved energy

  • Improved self esteem

  • Improved ability to move forward in life

  • Sense of renewal

  • Improved strategies to help live a more balanced life

  • Life changing

  • Addressed deep underlying issues

  • Improved sense of full potential

  • Improved health, happiness and balance

  • Feeling grounded

  • Release of blocked emotion

Sessions are available online and in person. Reply to this email or visit my website to find out more. You can book online here:

Here’s what’s new in 2023…

Anna O’Keeffe Kinesiology Reiki Yoga Nidra

Yoga Nidra

After experiencing the powerful benefits of Yoga Nidra over the past four years, I decided to study this ancient and deeply healing practice so that I could include it in my offering to clients. I first came across Yoga nidra during Yoga classes, now and again teachers would end their class with a yoga nidra. After my first baby was born I was struggling to 'sleep when they sleep' during the day, I was feeling tired and unable to catch up on the rest I needed. A yoga teacher suggested trying yoga nidra and this is where my journey began. It wasn't until my second baby was born and my sleep deprivation hit new lows that Yoga nidra became a life line. Soon I will finish my Yoga nidra teacher certification.

I am already guiding groups online and working with clients one on one. Let me know if you'd like to join!

Yoga nidra, also known as yogic sleep or Non sleep deep rest (NSDR) is a powerful technique for controlling your body’s rest and digest response. Yoga nidra can be as restorative as sleep, while you remain fully conscious. Giving your mind and body an extra window, even just 10 minutes, of deep relaxation offers powerful benefits! Yoga Nidra works by guiding you down through the different levels of your brainwaves, which happens naturally as you fall asleep. This engages your parasympathetic nervous system (there's that term again), yes your body's natural place of rest and digest. It allows you to reside in a relaxed state and is associated with tissue regeneration, brain repair and healing of the body.


Reiki training and Reiki self care courses

I am now teaching Reiki courses both in person and online. Reiki levels 1, 2 and 3 are all available but I primarily focus on Reiki level one / Self care training.

The focus of this training is how to practice daily self Reiki, and why this is important. I truly believe that when we take our own healing literally into our own hands we become empowered. You'll learn the history of Reiki and how to give yourself and others (friends and family) a full Reiki session.

What could be more accessible than your own hands? You will have your own ability to immediately engage the body's rest and digest response and bring your body back to balance.

If you are interested in learning how to practice self Reiki please contact me. I can work online with any time zone!

Anna O’Keeffe Kinesiology Reiki Yoga Nidra

I am delighted to be returning to service.

I truly believe, apart from being a mum, wife, daughter, sister, friend, I was put on this planet in this lifetime to do this work. To help restore balance. It starts with us. When we heal ourselves, when we become whole and balanced, a ripple effect on human consciousness begins. When we come from a place of love rather than fear and we begin to forgive, we invite in compassion for ourselves and our fellow humans. And so I invite you to do the same.

I invite you to let me help you find a way back to balance. When I begin working with clients they are often feeling stuck. Confused about making a decision, which way to turn next, or even paralysed with fear. After working together, whether it's online or in person they are able to take a step forward. Like a fog has lifted. It doesn't have to be a leap. Just one small, teeny tiny step is all it takes. I am here to help.

If you have made it to the end of this blog I am honoured that you have given me this time and attention, and grateful to have you here with me.

If you would like to say hi, I'd love to hear from you. I'd love to know what's been happening in your life.

Sending much love & light to you and yours. I look forward to hearing from you.

Anna x

m: +61 (0)41 6972 230
e: hello@hhwithanna.com
w: hhwithanna.com